Available from Methods Machine Tools, the VisionX VisionGauge 500-series horizontal digital optical comparator features 36" X-axis travel. According to the company, the extended travel system enables CAD tracking and inspection of parts ranging to 36" in length while delivering increased accuracy. The comparators are a fully digital drop-in replacement for optical comparators said to work directly with the CAD data without requiring any overlays, Mylars or templates.

The system features CAD Auto-Align for accurate alignment of parts and a CAD Auto Pass/Fail tool to determine if a part is within tolerance. Pass/Fail can be point-based or can consider complete geometric entities, and can perform both simultaneously on the same part. The comparator can be set up to automatically collect complete electronic documentation and device history for SPC and quality-compliance purposes.

The system is available in 5×, 10×, 20×, 50× and 100× magnifications and features a 38"-diagonal image viewing area. LED-based illumination offers stable and repeatable illumination conditions via a programmable computer-controlled system. Reflected and transmitted modules are also available. The system is Windows-based and delivered in a rolling cart configuration.